MacLaren Hall Abuse

Q: Do I have to be in the settlement to get help?

Not always. The County has said the deal will resolve most—but not all—claims. Your facts and dates matter, so it’s best to talk with a lawyer about which path is right for you.

— Your Rights After What Happened at Los Angeles’ Children’s Center

MacLaren Children’s Center—often called MacLaren Hall—was a county-run foster-care receiving center in El Monte. It closed in 2003 after years of controversy and litigation. In 2025, Los Angeles County approved a $4 billion settlement to resolve thousands of sexual-abuse claims tied to county custody—including MacLaren. If you were hurt at MacLaren, you still have options to pursue accountability and support.^[1][2][3][4]

What MacLaren Hall was (and wasn’t)

A foster-care receiving center, not a juvenile hall. MacLaren opened in 1961 as a temporary shelter for children awaiting foster placement. It was first operated by LA County Probation and later by DCFS. Multiple investigations and lawsuits documented serious failures, including hiring and oversight problems. The County shuttered the facility in 2003.^[5]

Why it matters for your case. Because MacLaren was a county-run child-welfare facility, different laws, records, and complaint pathways apply than for probation juvenile halls. (We help you navigate both.)^[2]

Have you experienced sexual assault or abuse?

We can help answer your questions and connect you with an attorney if you may have a case.

Were you sexually abused at MacLaren Hall?

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Were you under 18 years of age at the time of the abuse?

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The 2025 LAs County settlement (how it relates to MacLaren)

In April 2025, LA County announced — and its Board approved — a $4 billion settlement to resolve over 6,800 childhood sexual abuse claims tied to county custody. Many of the allegations involve MacLaren, a juvenile facility that closed in 2003. Payouts are set to be managed by an independent team, and the County has acknowledged the harm and committed to reforms.^{[1][2][6][7][8]}

Important: Even with a global settlement, individual facts matter. Some claims may fall outside the settlement process or require additional steps. Speaking with a lawyer ensures you understand your options and any deadlines that still apply.^[2]

What survivors shared about their experiences at MacLaren (brief context)

According to public reporting and lawsuits, survivors described long-running issues such as sexual assault, excessive restraints, overmedication, retaliation, and unsafe conditions. The County Civil Grand Jury also cited failures in oversight and background checks.^[5][9]

What survivors can do in the first 72 hours to protect themselves and their case

Begin with your own memories: write what you can about who was there, what happened, where, and when. It’s natural for details to be blurry. Even things like staff names, unit areas, or rough years can help.
Collect what you can: whether it’s paperwork, photos, letters, or connections with others who were there.
Ask for records:
- Ask DCFS for your confidential case or juvenile records. We’ve included instructions and contact information to help.^[10]
- Request non-confidential administrative records — such as policies and audits — through CPRA. Start with DCFS at recordrequest@dcfs.lacounty.gov or check LA County’s PRA contact list.^[10]
Reach out to a lawyer right away — deadlines for settlements or civil claims can come up fast, even when there’s already been a big public announcement.^[2]

Who is eligible to bring a claim?

You may qualify if you lived at MacLaren Children’s Center/MacLaren Hall (El Monte) before its 2003 closure and were subjected to sexual abuse, exploitation, or related harm by staff, contractors, or others while in County custody. ^[1][5]
Survivors who were retaliated against or overmedicated in ways linked to abuse, or intended to cover it up, may qualify. ^[5]
You reported the abuse (or tried to) and nothing was done — or you were punished. Public reports show this happened to many. ^[5]

Not sure if your time there matters for a claim? That’s completely fine. We’ll hear your story, go through the timeline alongside you, and give confidential advice.

Records & where to request them (MacLaren/DCFS)

DCFS Public Records (CPRA): recordrequest@dcfs.lacounty.gov (members of the public).^[12]
DCFS Case Records (juvenile/dependency): process via DCFS Case Records page (County Counsel Confidentiality Unit handles requests).^[10]
Countywide PRA contacts directory: LA County’s newsroom page routes to department custodians.^[11]

Tip: Your CPRA can include requests for policies (incident reporting, medication/chemical restraint, staffing), inspection and audit reports, and facility logs from the years you were placed there. For individual juvenile case records, go through the DCFS process.

How we help survivors

We listen first, in confidence — and work with you to build your timeline.
We help request and preserve records — through CPRA and the juvenile records process.
We guide you onto the right path — whether that’s a settlement program or a traditional lawsuit.
We pursue compensation and accountability — always with the goal of minimizing re-traumatization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MacLaren part of the big LA County settlement?

Yes. County statements and major news outlets confirm the $4 billion settlement includes thousands of claims tied to county custody, including at MacLaren Children’s Center (which closed in 2003). ^[2][6]

Do I have to be in the settlement to get help?

Not always. The County has said the deal will resolve most — but not all — claims. Your facts and dates matter, so it’s best to talk with a lawyer about which path is right for you. ^[2]

I don’t have papers from the 1990s or 2000s — can I still come forward?

Yes. You can. We can help request both confidential case records and administrative files today. Start with a consultation, and we’ll draft the requests with you.

Was MacLaren a juvenile jail?

No. MacLaren was a county foster-care receiving center, part of the child-welfare system. But many described it as operating like a secure campus. Oversight rules were different from those for juvenile halls.

What if I was also in an LA County juvenile hall or camp?

That’s very common. We’ll help map your placements across both DCFS and Probation, and then use the right standards and record-request paths for each.

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